BOSTON — As of this afternoon, forward Chris Clark was still without a contract from the Bruins or any other NHL club.

Clark has been in Bruins camp on a tryout basis from Day One.

General manager Peter Chiarelli said he is still “in discussions” with Clark’s representatives, but there has to be some worry about how to fit the veteran into such a deep team. Clark, to his credit, isn’t too worried about being a 13th forward on a championship-caliber squad.

“Whatever it takes. As of now, my heart is here and whatever role it becomes, it becomes,” said Clark after the team’s practice this morning at TD Gardn. “That would be great to be able to wear that jersey and the black and gold would be unbelievable.”

Clark has shown, as expected, that he’s the Bruins’ type of player with just enough skill to complement his toughness. He had his nose broken in a fight Saturday in the club’s preseason finale but was on the ice today without any visor or cage. He thinks he’s done all he can to impress the Bruins’ brass.

“I thought it was one of my better camps in the last four or five years just with not coming off of any injuries and being able to show what I can do 100 percent. And not having to hold up or back off on anything, so I’ve given everything I have and hopefully it’s enough to stay here.”

His contract is a cap hit(whether in Boston or Providence). If he stays up 10 games or 30 days the B’s can send him down without him going through waivers. I think he’d have to clear re-entry waivers, should the B’s send him down and recall him.

I think whether he stays or not, will have to do with the contract $’s…not necessarily his play.

If Pouliot sucks for stretches, Seguin reverts back to his play of mid-season last year, or there are injuries the Bruins are going to need someone like Clark to jump in. I like Caron but I always think playing 1st line AHL is better for him than being what Clark will be.

The game I saw Caron, I thought he was O.K. for the 3rd line, but didn’t quite bring enough energy for the 4th line, so I really would like to see Clark sign. He was solid that whole game, and that’s what you really wanna see from a 13th or 14th forward.

The worst situation for the Bruins would be to release Clark & see a couple of forwards get hurt in the first few games of the season. He’s the perfect 5th wheel: that’s why they should sign him even if Caron brings way more attributes to the table. Realistically, we can’t expect the Bruins to have so few injuries like last year. So both would play plenty of games.

I’m hopeful for him. If just for his mindset,toughness,some scoring and you have to cheer for a guy that wants to be a Bruin so bad. He’s a pro so rotating in and out won’t affect his game as much as a younger guy. I know everybody loves Caron but I’m in the minority I guess. He has size and strength but I just don’t see him getting alot done. I’m luke warm I’d say.Maybe I’ll watch closer.

Don’t know what they’re wating for, Clark fits in nicely here. Does anyone know how many forwards skated last year? It is a long season and he’s a proven professional. Sign him, we’ll get 50-55 games out of him and he won’t take a night off.